Ukraine has already received one million large-caliber artillery shells this year under the Czech ammunition initiative, Czechia’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on 13 August during an online meeting of the “coalition of willing.”

Czech-led coalition marks major supply milestone

České Noviny reports that Fiala confirmed the deliveries during a virtual session that, for the first time, included US Vice President J. D. Vance. The coalition of willing — a group of states actively supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression — coordinated positions ahead of the Trump–Putin meeting.

Last year, the Czech ammunition program supplied 1.5 million rounds. Fiala praised the close coordination with Trump.

Praise from Ukraine and Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after the videoconference with European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, that European and Ukrainian security interests must be preserved in the upcoming US–Russia talks. Merz has previously called the Czech ammunition program “exemplary” support for Ukraine, noting that Germany contributes “out of conviction.”

Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude last week on the social platform X. He thanked the Czech Republic for its artillery supply initiative, saying it had saved many lives and strengthened Ukrainian positions.

Pro-Russian opposition in Prague

The program faces strong domestic opposition from former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. About a month ago, Babiš told Reuters that if his ANO party wins the autumn elections, it will cancel the initiative. He labeled it “nontransparent,” “overpriced,” and “rotten,” questioning the level of Czech contributions. According to Fiala’s government, the Czech Republic provided around €35 million to the program last year.